Staff Profiles

Melissa White: Membership / Administration Manager

Melissa has had 30 years experience in the Customer service industry, from working behind a bar to managing a motel,   and brings a wealth of knowledge in dealing with people.
She was employed with Centacare for 5 years where she was introduced to the Men’s Shed concept. Within her role with Centacare she provided admin support to AMSA as it came into fruition.
She has been employed with AMSA from its conception and enjoys the challenges of working within such a fast paced, quick growing organisation. Mel  is the first pint of contact with many developing sheds and has established  lasting relationships with each AMSA member  that has given her a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the Mens Shed Culture.

Mel can be contacted by
Phone: 1300 550 009
Email: amsa@mensshed.net

Liz MacDonald: Shed Development Manager

Liz MacDonald Shed Development Manager   Liz spent 20 years with the NSW Department of Education as a secondary teacher within the Social Services faculty- Geography Economics. During this time she also held numerous welfare related positions within schools including Year Advisor roles.

Over the past 16 years Liz worked for a national NGO in the welfare field as a Community Development Manager, project managing a variety of government funded programs. In her role, Liz was actively involved in men’s shed development since 2004.

She was also been successful in submitting grant applications and securing substantial funding from government departments and other funding sources such as the Federal Jobs and Innovations Funds as well as charitable foundations.

Liz came to AMSA in July 2011 and currently oversees the Australian Government Shed Development Grants program. She brings a wealth of knowledge regarding men’s shed development and their sustainability, grant writing and project management.

Liz  can be contacted by
Email: liz@mensshed.net

Ian Palmer: National OH&S & Insurance Services Manager

Ian has over twenty five years of experience as an employee and a consultant in the field of health & safety risk management so he’s able to assist you with questions about risk management and OH&S issues.

He has worked in some large Companies, consulted to Governments and has worked in the “Not for Profit” sector.  Along the way, Ian has picked up some valuable skills which are already being put to good use for AMSA members.

Ian can be contacted by
Email: ian@mensshed.net

Andrew Stark: National Market, Fundraising and Communications Manager

Andrew moved to Australia when he was 8 years of age from Papua New Guinea. After schooling he joined the Australian Federal Police and remained in this employment for 21 years. Throughout his time in Government roles he worked with the US President George W Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and South African President Nelson Mandela. He travelled abroad many times in his role as Liaison to the Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

In 2009, Andrew left the AFP to take up the position as National Security Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister. He remained with the DPM when she became Australia’s first female Prime Minister in June 2010.

In between these appointments he has studied extensively in Theology and marketing practices and comes to AMSA with a keen sense to ensure that this initiative is well supported both by Government and corporate alike. Andrew shall be managing all AMSA relationships including sourcing future funding through sponsorship, donations and shall be providing assistance to sheds in areas of marketing and establishment.

Andrew can be contacted by
Email: andrew@mensshed.net

Gary Green: Community Engagement Coordinator

Gary is a  Registered Nurse (Mental Health) and has been involved in Men’s Sheds and Men’s Health for the past 12 years. Employed as the Community Health Nurse in Orbost for 10 years  Gary was responsible for the Orbost Men’s Shed and later the Cabbage Tree Creek Men’s Shed as well as other Men’s Health initiatives.

In 2005, with a team of helpers, Gary organised the First Men’s Shed Conference held in Lakes Entrance Victoria where 180 attendees attended. At this conference the idea of forming the Australian Men’s Shed Association was raised and decided on by those attending. Gary was also part of the original steering committee for AMSA and has also held positions with the Victorian Men’s Shed Association since it’s inception in 2007.

These experiences have provided Gary with wide ranging knowledge about men and Men’s Sheds and he is proud to be part of the Men’s Health and Men’s Sheds movement.

Gary can be contacted by
Email: gary@mensshed.net